OPINION: Bognor Regis Briefing - Free events and litter picks, bringing the community together

Next week is the last for this year’s Funshine Days. I hope you’ll agree that these free events have been fantastic so far, offering a diverse range of entertainment and new skills to try, perfect for children of all ages. The final week will take place at the Hotham Park bandstand and will feature Hula Hoop Workshops from ‘Live Love Hoop’ on Tuesday. Whether you're picking up a hoop for the first time or looking to master new skills, the workshops provide a welcoming and energetic experience filled with laughter, music, and plenty of opportunities to get moving! On Wednesday, Sussex Music Workshops are inviting people of all ages to discover the fun of playing the ukulele through its friendly and engaging workshops. Participants will learn simple chords, play well-known songs and enjoy the experience of making music together in a relaxed, supportive environment. No previous musical experience is required, making the sessions accessible to complete beginners as well as those looking to develop their musical skills. For the final day of the 2026 Funshine Days, Nick Clark will be back with his fantastic balloon modelling and unique brand of magical entertainment! You won’t want to miss these lively magic shows, packed with tricks, comedy, audience participation, and plenty of surprises! As I’ve said in previous weeks, all events are subject to change, so to stay up to date, please do follow the Bognor Regis Town Council Events Facebook page.

As we enter the final couple of weeks of the summer holidays, there’s still time to ‘get crafty’ by visiting the Bognor Makerspace to take part in the Resourceful Community Scrapstore’s ‘Holiday Thursday Make and Take’ sessions. Running every Thursday up to and including 27th August, from 9.30am until 5pm, crafters have the opportunity to use the array of materials available, to create their own unique pieces to take home with them. Perfect for a relaxing few hours, putting those artistic talents to good use! These sessions are for accompanied children and are suitable for all ages. Please book tickets for all adults and children who will be attending, to ensure there is space for all, via the website: www.resourceful-scraps.org.uk. These sessions are supported by a grant from Bognor Regis Town Council and include a healthy snack.

A reminder that we are just a few days away from Bognor Regis Town Council’s latest ‘Councillor Drop-In Surgery’. Join us on the promenade, just next to the Beach Office, on Saturday 22nd August between 12pm and 2pm, to meet your Town Councillors, ask us any questions, or to raise any topics important to you and your Town. We always love hearing from you, so please do come by and say ‘hi’!

Lastly, a future date for your diaries. The Bognor Regis in Bloom Working Group ethos centres around community pride, environmental sustainability, and working together to make the Town an attractive place to live, work, and visit. As well as holding various gardening competitions throughout the year, they are also placing a larger emphasis on keeping the Town tidy, through an increased number of litter picks. With their latest tidy up, as part of the Great British Spring Clean in March proving a great success and with much public uptake, they are holding another litter pick, to help tidy up the Town, at the end of the busy summer season. Taking place on Thursday 10th September starting at 10.00am, willing volunteers are asked to meet outside Morrisons, with all litter picking equipment provided - just bring your enthusiasm and a couple of hours of your time!